'; ?>Handicapped accessible. (Terrain is likely to be paved, is relatively flat, and less than a 1/2 mile hike is required.)
'; ?>

**

'; ?>Suitable for small children. (Terrain is generally along marked trails, there are no steep elevation changes or heavy overgrowth. Less than a 2 mile hike required.)
'; ?>

***

'; ?>Not suitable for small children. (The average adult or older child should be OK depending on physical condition. Terrain is likely off-trail. May have one or more of the following: some overgrowth, some steep elevation changes, or more than a 2 mile hike.)
'; ?>

****

'; ?>Experienced outdoor enthusiasts only. (Terrain is probably off-trail. Will have one or more of the following: very heavy overgrowth, very steep elevation (requiring use of hands), or more than a 10 mile hike. May require an overnight stay.)
'; ?>

This Geocache Rating System is based on the criteria discussed on the Geocaching
message boards. Thanks to Scout, Markwell, and Brokenwing for their input, and thanks
to Brokenwing for providing his rating system source to use as a base. If you want the
PHP source for this page, have at it. Comments to GPS@______ (Hint: I'm ClayJar, and this is a .com).

Geocache Rating System

Geocache Rating System

Answer the following questions based on the most difficult parts of the cache:

Will it take more than a day to hike in, find the
cache, and hike out again?

What is the length of the hike?

Less than 1/2 mileLess than 1 km

1/2 mile to 2 milesAbout 1 to 3 km

2 miles to 10 milesAbout 3 to 16 km

Over 10 milesOver 16 km

This is the length of the hike from the most
logical parking area to the cache.

What is the trail like?

Paved pathways
Asphalt, concrete, or boardwalks.

Well marked/defined hardpack
Well packed dirt. You could ride a standard bicycle or
push a stroller on this trail without too much effort.

Other trail types
Could be gravel, sand, mud, etc. May be an animal trail.
If you're riding a bike, it had better be a mountain bike.

Trail? What trail?
There is no real trail. Wheels are out.
May be following a stream bed or be very rocky.

How is the the most difficult part of the cache?
If the cache is within a few feet of a trail, don't worry about
the last few feet.

Is the path bushy or overgrown?

Not at all
There is no overgrowth at all.

Some light overgrowth
An adult could step over or around this.

Yeah, it's pretty overgrown
It's waist-high or so, or it may be thorny or have poison plants.

The overgrowth is very heavy
I can't see the other side! Some type of machete or other
cutting device is probably needed. Very likely to have thorns or
poison plants.

Overgrowth refers to any plant or other substance that
impedes the path. Keep in mind that conditions change; rate based
on your understanding of worst-case conditions.

What is the terrain elevation like?

Basically flat
Only slight elevation changes. Easy to do in a wheelchair,
stroller, bike, etc.

Some elevation changes
Changes are slight enough that someone could ride a bike
up such a slope.

Steep elevation changes
Change is steep. Probably could not ride a bike up this
slope, but could push it up.

Severe elevation changes
The only way up the slope is to use your hands.
Going down may require the use of your backside.

How hard is the steepest part of the cache?

How easy is it to find the cache?

Cache is in plain sight or location is fairly obvious.

Cache could be in one of several locations. Hunter may have to look for a while.

Cache may be very well hidden, may be multi-leg, or may use clues to location.

Cache likely requires special skills, knowledge, or in-depth preparation to find.
May require multiple days or trips to find

Finding this cache requires very specialized knowledge, skills, or equipment.
This is a serious mental or physical challenge.

Please consider visibility, accessibility, and relative signal strength
due to tree cover or other obstructions when answering this question.

This Geocache Rating System is based on the criteria discussed on the Geocaching
message boards. Thanks to Scout, Markwell, and Brokenwing for their input, and thanks
to Brokenwing for providing his rating system source to use as a base. If you want the
PHP source for this page, have at it. Comments to GPS2007@______ (Hint: I'm ClayJar, and this is a .com).